Explain how racism was institutionalized in the United States. Use specific examples to support and develop your points. In your discussion, ensure you both illustrate what it means for something to be institutionalized and discuss specific ways in which racism has been institutionalized in the United States.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Institutionalization refers to being imbedded in the institutions or social structure of a society. Examples include education, the criminal justice system, political system, economy, etc. In the United States, experiences of difference along lines of race and ethnicity are well documented in the literature. The text illustrates how beginning at birth in the U.S. African Americans have diminished life chances (examples include higher infant mortality, lower life expectancy, higher poverty rates, etc.). Other minority groups including Native Americas and Latino’s also experience diminished life chances compared to Whites. Discrimination is a key factor. Institutionalization began with the U.S. Constitution, Jim Crow laws, segregation, continued through public policy, public education, institutionalized discrimination, etc.